Panasonic previews new HD camera with 4/3” MOS image sensor

Singapore – Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific gave Singapore a sneak peek of their latest AVCCAM series in Singapore on 23 November. The AG-AF102 is the world’s first professional HD camera recorder equipped with Four Thirds MOS image sensor. It’s also the first model in the AVCCAM series to have exchangeable lenses, allowing professionals the option to use a Micro Four Thirds digital single-lens or cinematic lenses.

Janet Lam, assistant manager for the broadcast regional operation center at Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific, said back orders for the AG-AF102, which is expected to roll out in January 2011 in Southeast Asia, have already surpassed 100 units in the region and 800 units in the U.S. “This one would address the limitations of still cameras shooting videos,” she said.

The AG-AF102 allows for recording with a shallow depth of field and wider angle through its large-sized image sensor. It records video in full HD (1080i/p) / 720p formats including 1080/24p native mode with Full HD Variable Frame Rate (VFR) function. The video can be recorded on the bigger capacity SDXC memory cards in professional high quality PH mode (maximum of 24Mbps). The camera also comes with professional audio input (XLR).

The AG-AF102 is tagged at an MSRP of US$4,995.